Politics and Religion in the English Civil War. William Walwyn before the Levellers

Getting acquainted with William Walwyn through some of his writings, published before 1644, is to have a glimpse at his ideas at an “auroral” stage, when, although prompted by contemporary social events, they were not yet influenced by the harsh logics of the political struggle that was to be waged in the context of the stark reality of the Civil War. If these ideas are remarkable for their far-reaching implications, they are also remarkable for their purity and independence, especially considering that they anticipate the brief but intense experience of the Levellers that was soon to begin. This gives us a special perspective on this turbulent period in the history of the English Civil War: that of William Walwyn, who observes the political and social scene of his time, becoming emotionally and rationally involved. The essays ("The Power of Love", "The Compassionate Samaritane", "Good Counsell to All") containing his reflections comprise, in a nutshell, his history and his story. There is also a reprint here of a "New Petition of the Papists", of which I have evidence that Walwyn is not the author.